Slouchy Hobo Bag

Every wanted to know how to make a hobo bag? You're in luck! We have got step by step instructions for making a slouchy hobo bag of your own!

What you need

Fabric Zipper Sewing Machine Pins

Instructions

(Figure 1)

here’s the “pattern” i used. i tend to just cut…i really have no rhyme or reason to my shapes and patterns. this one happens to be 8″ high. you will cut 2 with the interior fabric and 2 with the exterior fabric

(Figure 2)

here are all the pieces. the ones on the far left are key…they will be attached to the zipper and you will start with those. you then have the body of the purse..interior and exterior…and then you have 2 pieces to create the strap for your shoulder at the bottom of the picture.

(Figure 3,4) you will sandwich the zipper between one zipper piece of each the interior and exterior. make sure the top of the zipper (outside face) faces the good side of the exterior fabric…just like in this picture. you may want to unzip the zipper to make this process easier. oh and cut the zipper to the length that you want for the opening. make sure to sew at the end of where you cut so that if you accidentally unzip it all the way..you dont waste an entirely good zipper…this has happened to me… the shorter the zipper the smaller and scrunchier the purse.. mine is about 12″ or so.

(Figure 5) his is what it will look like once you finish both sides and both interior and exterior. this picture shows only the interior side.

(Figure 6 ) then take one of the interior body pieces and pin in place with pleats. i start from the middle of each piece (zipper piece and interior body) and pin them to keep them centered…then i pleat and pin..space them accordingly so that once you reach the end where it curves that it will line up with the end of your zipper piece. which by the way…the zipper piece should be just a tad longer on either side of the length of your zipper

(Figure 7)

do this to both interior body sides.

(Figure 8) this is what it should look like. this is the inside of your purse.

(Figure 9) this is what it should look like on the other side.

(Figure 10) now you want to put the good sides of the interior body pieces together and sew them…like so. make sure you leave a space..this is where you will turn your purse inside out at the end

(Figure 11) now you will do the same to the exterior fabric. pin and pleat and sew.

(Figure 12) this is how it should look when you’re done with both sides… this is fun!!

(Figure13) fold it in half and this is what you get..you can see your purse come together now

(Figure 14) open it back up and face the good sides of the exterior together and sew..this time don’t leave a space like the interior pieces. make sure before you do this step.. unzip the purse more than half way so it’s easier to turn inside out.

(Figure 15) now where you left the space…turn the entire purse inside out.

(Figure 16-17) and this is what you get when you turn your purse exterior side outside. you will have holes on either side of the purse unfinished for your strap.

(Figure 18) put one side of your strap in the hole and turn this portion of the purse inside out so you can sew it easier

(Figure 19) cut off the excess so it’s even

(Figure 20) the other side will be split open so it will be a little more tough. sew in place like the picture

(Figure 21) and basically wrap your purse around the strap and sew. make sure the zipper ends are lined up and close to eachother

(Figure 22) cut off excess and this is what both insides should look like for the strap.

(Figure 23)

that’s it! it took me about 4 patterns to get this right. this purse took me about 3 hours to make. I added embellishments. I recommend doing that before you sew the exterior body pieces together. I also added a pocket.

What are the approximate dimensions of the finished purse? Would you be able to post a picture holding the finished purse on your shoulder or even in your hand so I can get a reference of the size? Thanks so much

This bag looks amazing to make, would love to make it but don’t know much sewing mach. to make it. But it is still an amazing bag and I love it, plus the idea also, so many ways to make something like this..

Love this idea…..I had a few complications at first since I’m new to sewing with the zipper and how to connect the body of the bag to the it. Basically, I finally discovered that I needed to cut my zipper down. But all in all, I’m a hobo-pro!!!

I think it’s a good tutorial. Love the bag. May I make a suggestion. I think the picture’s should be put along with the instructions where you have a reference to pic number. Other then that great directions.

I really love this project. I am just learning how to sew and this is really simple and turns out great. I’ve made a few purses and a huge one that’s my diaper bag. I always get compliments on it and have had people offer to pay for them. Thanks!

I really liked the final outcome of the project, but this is definitely not a task for a novice. There are many details left out that only an experienced seamstress could fill in. I still loved the bag, and I’m quite impressed with the pattern over all.

this was the coolest purse EVER! I advise anyone who thinks they can, to go for it and try. It was fun and turned out awesome. But if you try it, then I advise you to read the directions VERY carefully and study the pipctures given.

thanx for makin it so clear best instructions ever although i dont think ill make it cos ive got a list of about 10 billion things to do but i will get round to it cos i love bags and been lookin for 1 like this for ages!! thanx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great bag, i’m a first time sewer and i easily understood the instructions. Found this pattern worked best with thicker material, i cut up some old khaki pants and used that for the exterior, great way to reduse and reuse as well!

Oh!! Should be 5 stars! My bad – I didn’t click the right buttons! The pleats really make the bag! I particularly liked the detailed pictures of the pleats, the zipper facings and the handle placement. I also like the annotations on the pictures…

The pleats really make the bag! I particularly liked the detailed pictures of the pleats, the zipper facings and the handle placement. I also like the annotations on the pictures. You could make a living by selling designs like this. A+

You put a lot of work into the instructions and photos; you’ve done an amazing job! THANK YOU! oh.. lol and the pattern is great, too… if anyone has trouble: ask a experienced seamstress for help – don’t insult the crafter!!

well i think they were good inscuctions , but i reviesd the insructinons a little . also maybe this bag is not for u . but pleas dont make those rude comments you have here already . ( very good and cute bag !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!